Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can cause severe life-threatening health problems, including frostbite, hypothermia and heart strain.
Frostbite most often damages the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. If you detect signs of frostbite, such as gray-yellow skin, skin that feels firm or waxy, and numbness, seek medical care.
Hypothermia occurs when the body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling of hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Infants show signs of hypothermia if they have very low energy and their lips and cheeks turn bright red.
If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice before going out to shovel snow or perform hard work in the cold.
During times of extremely cold weather, go outside only if necessary. Dress in apprpriate layers of clothing and make sure no skin is exposed.
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